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Int J Sports Med 2018; 39(07): 555-563
DOI: 10.1055/a-0592-7286
Orthopedics & Biomechanics
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Sensorimotor Exercises and Enhanced Trunk Function: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Steffen Mueller
1   University of Potsdam, University Outpatient Clinic, Sports Medicine & Sports Orthopaedics, Potsdam, Germany
2   Trier University of Applied Sciences, Computer Science / Therapy Science, Trier, Germany
,
Tilman Engel
1   University of Potsdam, University Outpatient Clinic, Sports Medicine & Sports Orthopaedics, Potsdam, Germany
,
Juliane Mueller
1   University of Potsdam, University Outpatient Clinic, Sports Medicine & Sports Orthopaedics, Potsdam, Germany
,
Josefine Stoll
1   University of Potsdam, University Outpatient Clinic, Sports Medicine & Sports Orthopaedics, Potsdam, Germany
,
Heiner Baur
3   Bern University of Applied Sciences, Health / Physiotherapy, Bern, Switzerland
,
Frank Mayer
1   University of Potsdam, University Outpatient Clinic, Sports Medicine & Sports Orthopaedics, Potsdam, Germany
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History



accepted 19 February 2018

Publication Date:
18 May 2018 (online)

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a 6-week sensorimotor or resistance training on maximum trunk strength and response to sudden, high-intensity loading in athletes.

Forty-three healthy, well-trained participants were randomized into sensorimotor (SMT; n=11), resistance training (RT; n=16) and control groups (CG; n=16). Treatment groups received either sensorimotor training (SMT) or resistance training (RT) for 6 weeks, 3 times a week. At baseline and after 6 weeks of intervention, participants' maximum isokinetic strength in trunk rotation and extension was tested (concentric/eccentric 30°/s). In addition, sudden, high-intensity trunk loading was assessed for eccentric extension and rotation, with additional perturbation. Peak torque [Nm] was calculated as the outcome.

Interventions showed no significant difference for maximum strength in concentric and eccentric testing (p>0.05). For perturbation compensation, higher peak torque response following SMT (Extension: +24 Nm 95%CI±19 Nm; Rotation: +19 Nm 95%CI±13 Nm) and RT (Extension: +35 Nm 95%CI±16 Nm; Rotation: +5 Nm 95%CI±4 Nm) compared to CG (Extension: -4 Nm 95%CI±16 Nm; Rotation: -2 Nm 95%CI±4 Nm) was present (p<0.05).

This study showed that isokinetic strength gains were small, but that significant improvements in high-intensity trunk loading response could be shown for both interventions. Therefore, depending on the individual's preference, therapists have two treatment options to enhance trunk function for back pain prevention.

Key words

core - training intervention - prevention - perturbation - MiSpEx*

* MiSpEx - the National Research Network for Medicine in Spine Exercise.


 

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